The Science Of Sound Therapy
Entrainment
Sound therapy works through entrainment, which is a law of physics. Entrainment occurs when two or more oscillating bodies lock into phase so that they vibrate in harmony with one another. This law of physics also applies to other more complex structures such as the brain. Brain wave entrainment relates to the brain’s actual electrical resonance to rhythmic sensory stimulation, such as pulses of sound or light. When the brain receives stimulus either through the eyes, ears or any other of our senses, it emits an electrical charge, a cortical evoked response. If the brain receives a repeating stimulus, it responds by synchronising these electric cycles to the same rhythm. This is called Frequency Following Response, or FFR.
FFR
FFR is used in sound healing to stimulate special brainwave frequencies that are associated with positive well-being. As brainwaves are intimately related to mental states of consciousness, by creating sounds associated with brainwaves that lead to peace, calm and healing, we bring about positive changes. FFR is also linked to the creation of deep spiritual states including deep meditation, lucid dreaming and moments of realisation. An example of this can be found when working with 4-8Hz, Theta brainwave frequency. Theta is associated with both sleep and deep meditative states. Working with 4-8 Hz sound pattern is extremely helpful in manifesting the sleep/meditative state and can be used as a basis for any sound therapy delivery for any person suffering from insomnia, stress, tension and general anxiety.
Water
"Since the human body is over seventy percent water and since sound travels five times more efficiently through water than through air, sound frequency stimulation directly into the body is a highly efficient means for total body stimulation, especially at the cellular level. Direct stimulation of living cellular tissue using sound frequency
vibration has shown marked cellular metabolism and therefore a possible mobilisation of a cellular healing response”.
Jeffrey Thompson, Director of the Centre for Neuro-acoustic Research, California
Institute for Human Science